The new Ranked Battles season has begun, giving Trainers another chance to test their battling skills. The leaderboards reset every month, so now’s the perfect time to jump in. The Ranked Battles January 2022 Season (Season 26) will follow the Series 11 regulations, which means you can battle with one powerful, usually ineligible Legendary Pokémon at your side. See the full list of these Pokémon below.
Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield Ranked Battles allow you to test your Trainer skills in head-to-head battles with players around the world, move up the global leaderboards, and earn helpful in-game rewards. The January 2022 season will run until 3:59 p.m. PST on January 31, 2022.
Only Pokémon obtained in Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield or those with the battle-ready symbol are eligible. Pokémon from previous games in the Pokémon series can receive the battle-ready symbol from the character next to the door in the center of the Battle Tower. When the battle-ready symbol is applied to your Pokémon, your Pokémon will forget the moves it knows. If your Pokémon forgets moves that it cannot use or learn in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, those moves cannot be relearned.
Eligible Pokémon
Eligible Pokémon for the Ranked Battles January 2022 Season include Galar Pokédex No. 001–397, Isle of Armor Pokédex No. 001–210, and Crown Tundra Pokédex No. 001–209, as well as the following Pokémon:
Mewtwo, Raikou, Entei, Suicune, Treecko, Grovyle, Sceptile, Torchic, Combusken, Blaziken, Mudkip, Marshtomp, Swampert, Latias, Latios, Uxie, Mesprit, Azelf, Heatran, Regigigas, Cresselia, Tornadus, Thundurus, Landorus, Rowlet, Dartrix, Decidueye, Litten, Torracat, Incineroar, Popplio, Brionne, Primarina, Tapu Koko, Tapu Lele, Tapu Bulu, Tapu Fini, Nihilego, Buzzwole, Pheromosa, Xurkitree, Celesteela, Kartana, Guzzlord, Poipole, Naganadel, Stakataka, and Blacephalon.
Only one of the following special Pokémon may be registered to your Battle Team:
Mewtwo, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Reshiram, Zekrom, Kyurem, Xerneas, Yveltal, Zygarde, Cosmog, Cosmoem, Solgaleo, Lunala, Necrozma, Zacian, Zamazenta, Eternatus, and Calyrex.
Please note that Pokémon may Dynamax or Gigantamax in this competition.
How to Start a Ranked Battle
To start a Ranked Battle, follow these steps:
Launch your Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield game.
Open the X menu.
Select VS.
Select Battle Stadium.
Select Ranked Battles.
January 2022 Season Rewards
Before battle, you’ll be matched up with other players of similar rank to ensure even competition. The higher the tier you finish in, the greater your in-game rewards after the season concludes. The January 2022 season rewards include the following.
Master Ball Tier
Gold Bottle Cap ×3
600 Battle Points
Dynite Ore ×30
Armorite Ore ×30
Ultra Ball Tier
Gold Bottle Cap ×1
300 Battle Points
Dynite Ore ×10
Armorite Ore ×10
Great Ball Tier
Bottle Cap ×3
Ability Capsule ×1
100 Battle Points
Dynite Ore ×5
Armorite Ore ×5
Poké Ball Tier and Beginner Tier
Ability Capsule ×1
50 Battle Points
Dynite Ore ×5
Armorite Ore ×5
How to Receive In-Game Rewards
Once the season is over, you can collect your in-game rewards. Remember, you will need to finish at least one match with a win or loss during the January 2022 Season to be eligible for rewards at the end of the season. To receive your in-game rewards, follow these steps:
After the competition has ended, launch your Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield game.
Open the X menu.
Select Mystery Gift.
Select Get a Mystery Gift.
Select Get Battle Stadium Rewards.
Good luck battling in the Ranked Battles January 2022 Season!
